Pedestrian Footbridge / Bar Orian Architects

The winning proposal for a new iconic pedestrian footbridge in the city of Be’er Sheva by Bar Orian Architects is a symbol of the current city’s development. The proposal creates a connection between the university and the future Hi-Tech industrial zone. The perforated steel cladding provides a shaded yet well ventilated space to shield the pedestrians from the harsh desert climate. More images and project description after the break.

The bridge achieves its 180 meters span over the city’s train station with only three anchors. This minimal support is made possible by the eye-like shape of the structure.

This eye-like structure is based on a double curve – an idea originated in traditional bridge design. Due to height limitations underneath the bridge, the curve had to be moderate and so another curve was added in the opposite direction in order to strengthen the structure. This creates two eye-like shapes on either side of the footpath. The ‘Eyes’ were then bent towards each other to resist the horizontal forces thereby forming a much more rigid structure. This also results in a dynamic and changing experience for visitors passing through the bridge.